Boat Docking Assist Assembly Impact Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assisted boat docking are limited, often resulting in damage to boats or docks, and pose challenges, especially for solo operators in rough weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A docking assist assembly is provided, comprising a mounting portion, an arm portion, and a bow retaining portion that can absorb docking impact forces, allowing for safe and secure boat positioning without manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid docking structure is used, then the boat can be securely held in place, but the structure cannot absorb impact forces, resulting in damage to the boat or dock
Solution Approach 1:
The arm portion is designed to be movable relative to the mounting portion, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to absorb impact forces during docking while maintaining secure boat holding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arm portion acts as a cushioning element that can move to absorb impact forces before they reach the rigid mounting portion, preventing damage to both the boat and dock structure
2Ease of operation
If manual handling is required for boat docking, then precise control can be achieved, but it is difficult for solo operators especially in rough weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The docking assist assembly provides self-service functionality where the movable arm portion automatically absorbs impact forces and the bow retaining portion automatically engages with the boat bow, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining safety and reliability
3Strength
If the bow retaining portion is made rigid, then it can provide strong retention force, but it cannot adapt to different bow shapes and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The first side and second side of the bow retaining portion are configured to be movable relative to each other, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to different bow shapes while maintaining strong retention force through the resilient movement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The docking assist assembly effectively cushions the boat's impact, preventing damage and facilitating easy docking, even for solo operators, by absorbing docking forces and providing a secure attachment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the first side and the second side of the bow retaining portion are resilient and are movable at least one inch in response to an impact force of 100 pounds
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the arm portion and the bow retaining portion is movable relative to the mounting portion so as to at least partially absorb a docking impact force of a boat
Data Source
AI summary
A docking system for assisted boat docking. The docking system may include a front assembly and/or a rear assembly. The front assembly can be configured to engage a bow of a boat and at least partially absorb a docking impact force of the boat. The front assembly can include a first mounting portion, a first arm, and a bow retaining portion. The first mounting portion can be configured to be supported by an upper surface of a dock. The first arm can be supported by the first mounting portion and can extend transverse to the first mounting portion. The bow retaining portion can be supported by the first arm. The rear assembly can be configured to engage and/or secure a rear of the boat to the dock.